El Shaddai’s Velarde backs Arroyo government

Too little, and then too late?

Amid threats of a new people power revolution against her, influential spiritual leader Bro. Mike Velarde expressed strong support yesterday for the administration of President Arroyo.

But his expression of support also comes amid reports that his once sizable following has dwindled dramatically.

Velarde, a known ally of ousted President Joseph Estrada, rejected yesterday calls for the ouster of Mrs. Arroyo and asked the members of his El Shaddai Catholic charismatic group to rally behind her.

"At this point, we would like to inform the public that the El Shaddai movement never got involved in any power struggle in the past and will never get involved in any such activity now and in the future," Velarde said in a statement.

But the influential Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines said yesterday the ranks of the El Shaddai are dwindling, with many followers disenchanted with Velarde’s alleged politicking.

But this was denied by El Shaddai spokesman Mel Robles, who said that the group has been consistent in preaching the Gospel and has never engaged in political activities.

According to Velarde, the El Shaddai is just being dragged into the political controversy by some people who want to get the support of the movement, which he insisted was focused only on religious activities.

Velarde urged the people to pray for government, Church and business leaders to help solve the nation’s problems.

"Let it be known that the El Shaddai movement has always stood behind the governing authorities of both the Church and government," he said.